Benedict
Benedict is a boy's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Blessed.
Origin and history
Benedict is derived from the Late Latin name Benedictus, meaning 'blessed'. It has a long historical usage tied to Christian tradition, particularly Saint Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine monastic order. In the United States, it remains a classic, traditional name with steady contemporary usage.
Popularity in the United States
10,475 babies in the United States have been named Benedict since 1880. It ranks #1170 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #875.
States where it is most popular
- NY (24.6 %)
- CA (11.2 %)
- PA (8.6 %)
- IL (7.6 %)
- MN (6.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 39 |
| 1890-1900 | 72 |
| 1900-1910 | 122 |
| 1910-1920 | 979 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,144 |
| 1930-1940 | 696 |
| 1940-1950 | 775 |
| 1950-1960 | 830 |
| 1960-1970 | 708 |
| 1970-1980 | 452 |
| 1980-1990 | 530 |
| 1990-2000 | 493 |
| 2000-2010 | 844 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,344 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,447 |
Famous people named Benedict
- Benedict Cumberbatch: actor
- Benedict Arnold: military officer
Nicknames
Ben, Benny, Bennie
Fun facts
- Benedict is one of the most common papal names, chosen by 16 popes throughout history.
- The name comes directly from the Latin words 'bene' (well) and 'dicere' (to speak), literally meaning 'well-spoken of' or 'blessed'.